News in Moray: Dorenell windfarm awards £100,000 to local projects
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A free Wi-Fi hot spot will be created in the centre of Dufftown to allow both locals and visitors to connect to the internet.
Meanwhile, a weekend-long "stargazing party" is going to be held in Glenlivet later this year.
Both ideas are among six local projects being funded by the Dorenell windfarm's community fund, which is handing out just over £100,000 in its latest round of awards.
The largest sum – £30,000 – is being given to Mortlach Memorial Hall in Dufftown to resurface its car park.
Meanwhile, an award of £29,887 will go towards the Cabrach Reconnections project which is based at Inverharroch Farm.
Local artists and craftspeople have been delivering well-received community activities at the farm.
The windfarm's cash will allow these to continue for the next 18 months.
It will also fund a new exhibition and the creation of permanent outdoor artworks inspired by the people and heritage of the area.
A further £18,267 is being given to the Cabrach Trust to create an outdoor community space in the walled garden area at the Old Cabrach School.
The plan to create a free public Wi-Fi hotspot in Dufftown is getting £11,350.
It aims to take advantage of both the height and central location of the community-owned clocktower to install the necessary equipment.
Viktoria Eriksson of the Dufftown & District community association said: "We hope to reduce rural inequalities by providing internet access for all.
"As a pilot scheme, our public Wi-Fi hotspot will provide valuable insights and knowledge for other communities that wish to improve digital and data services."
The Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust will receive £2435 for a stargazing event for families.
Based at Glenlivet Hall over a weekend in late September, it will include space-themed activities, virtual reality headsets, dress-up space suits and the chance to look through telescopes.
Finally, Glass Community Association will receive £10,000 towards creating an outdoor area for community activities.
Since its launch by EDF Renewables in 2020, the Dorenell Community Fund has awarded more than £950,000 to local groups and initiatives.
Piero Maggio, the windfarm company's director of asset operations, said: "As always, it is so heartening to see our funds be put to such good use in the communities around our developments."
Community groups and charities are being invited to apply for the next round of funding.
Up to £30,000 is available for projects that benefit the communities of Dufftown, Auchindoun, Glenrinnes, Glenlivet, Inveravon or the Cabrach.
The deadlines for the year ahead are the end of July, November and next March.
Advice on completing applications is available from the fund adviser's Marion McDonald who's on 07912 759524.
She will also be attending Dufftown Farmers Market on Saturday, July 9.
